How to Crochet: Reverse Single Crochet or Crab Stitch
By Claire Ortega – 19 CommentsThe reverse single crochet stitch, also known as the crab stitch, is made by doing single crochet stitches. With one major difference: the stitches are done in the opposite direction. So right-handed people work the reverse sc from left to right, and left-handed people from right to left.
This stitch is pretty distinctive; it looks ridged and makes a nice finishing option for crochet items. I personally love using this stitch for bag handles and baby things–it makes items sturdier. And it looks like a hand-sewn edging, too. It looks great when worked as an edging using a contrasting or coordinating color.
Here’s a step-by-step tutorial for the crab stitch, or reverse sc. Mousing over the images will show the photos for the left-handed tutorial.
Insert hook into stitch to the right, for right-handed crocheters; and to the left for left-handed people. Yarn over.
Pull yarn through and out of the stitch.
Two loops on hook.
Yarn over.
Pull through both loops.
One reverse sc, or crab stitch, made.
I hope that was helpful! If you need more help, just leave a comment below.
Thanks, Claire – I like the look of this stitch a lot! Though it felt a little unnatural, I got through the first row just fine – but now I am stumped. Where do I insert the hook in this stitch? Without the standard two top loops, I’m not quite sure where to insert the hook. Thanks!
Hiya Liv, that was fast! This stitch is usually done as the last row on projects. I haven’t tried doing otherwise… Maybe you could experiment on ways to build on the crab stitch. Try working stitches into different loops of the stitch. Maybe you’ll come up with a brand new technique! I think that a row of reverse sc looks sort of like an unfinished Tunisian row… Maybe you can try that.
Gotcha! Fast reply, too! Thanks, Claire – makes much more sense as a last row! I played around briefly but didn’t really try too hard – considering it is 1:00 in the morning.
I have tried Tunisian using the tutorial on this site. I like the look of it but I am never able to make it work – it always ends up being completely diagonal. Since I am starting to get into knitting (and Tunisian basically gives the look of knitting to a crochet piece) I haven’t tried very hard with that, either. I am making myself sound like a really fairweather crocheter! But if it’s something I am really trying to master I will look up videos on youtube and keep putzing til I figure it out!
Liv, the crab stitch is a great way to finish necklines on tops, since it keeps them from stretching. I always feel totally handicapped when I do it, though, since it is so opposite from all the other crochet stitches!
Hello Metta, you’re totally right about that!
Hi,
Thanks for the reverse sc – it makes a beautiful edging. Perhaps a little clarification should be made in your instructions – finish your last row on the right side and don’t turn your work…maybe I had a bit too much egg nog but it took me awhile to figure it out!! it makes a very unique edging great for potholders or as mentioned a baby blanket.
Claire, thank you so much for ‘flipping’ the pictures for us lefties. That is just one of the things that I love about this website. This stitch has always stumped me. I’ve always heard that it’s great as the last row of a top, but I could never figure it out. Thanks again!
I am going to add this to the next item I make. Thanks for the tutorial.
I’m not a lefty, but I thought it was nice that you included a lefty tutorial.
wow! i am soooo stumpted! mine just kinda turn out ugly and twisted… …idk
Hi kaytea, you might be doing everything right; the stitch just looks and feels kind of weird–because it is worked in the opposite direction. Maybe work more stitches and see if they turn out more evenly.
i need help with reversesinglecrochet seem like i ben all over the web still ant get that stitch yet
can any one help me with the reversesingle crochet
Dawn, this is the tutorial for the reverse single crochet. Let me know which part of the stitch you need help with and I can try and help you better.
the first and last i can,t form my hook right i will keep practice until you able to help me
this is dawnhouston letting u know i bout got it together but if you still wont to leave me something that fine every practice make perfect
Thanks again for the lefty help….I couldn’t get how to transpose this stitch with the usual youtube videos.
Wow thanks for that… so simple when you know how.
Greetings from Sunny SA…although it is currently raining.
Found this very helpful as needing to finish off a cap…also done a blanket in Tunisian crochet and thing it may give it an interesting edge
Thank you, Rachel! So helpful and clear!
Thank you so much for your clear instructions. I have tried different tutorials and explanations but still struggled. With your tutorial, however, it became clear and I’m now smiling while working in the opposite direction….